Healthy Chicken Salad for a Quick Lunch

Chicken salad, a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or served as a hearty meal. This particular recipe provides you with a healthy and satisfying option that is perfect for a busy weekday lunch. The cooking time for the chicken in this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, and it yields about four servings.

Ingredients are simple to find and easy to prepare. For this dish, we will need:

1. 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2. 1 small red onion
3. 2 celery stalks
4. ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
5. 3 tablespoons lemon juice
6. 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
7. Salt and pepper to taste

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them until they are completely cooked through; this typically takes about 18-20 minutes for boneless and skinless chicken breasts.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Finely chop the red onion and celery stalks to make sure all ingredients blend well in the salad. After roasting, allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding it into small pieces using two forks or a large knife. This will help mix it better with other components.

Once everything is ready, combine your shredded chicken with the chopped vegetables and add them to a mixing bowl. Add in the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well so that each piece of chicken gets coated evenly with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

To serve, you can simply divide the salad among four plates or bowls. You might also want to add some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor and color. This healthy chicken salad is not only delicious but also packed full of essential nutrients due to its high protein content from the chicken breast combined with vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.

For those looking for a slightly different twist, this dish could be served over a bed of lettuce or mixed into whole grain pasta for added texture. If you prefer something colder, chill the salad before serving to enhance its freshness.

The key to enjoying this recipe lies not just in following the steps correctly but also in choosing quality ingredients. Fresh chicken ensures better taste and nutritional value while high-quality olive oil adds an authentic Mediterranean touch without overpowering other flavors.

Remember, portion control is crucial when eating any meal, especially one rich in protein like this chicken salad. A proper serving size should be around 150 grams per person, providing ample sustenance to keep you energized throughout the afternoon.

In conclusion, making healthy chicken salads can become a regular part of your diet without compromising on taste or satisfaction. With just these simple ingredients and minimal effort, you have created yourself a nutritious meal that caters well to both health-conscious individuals and busy lifestyles alike.